on the Eastern Coast; the old voyagers allude to their existence in the kingdom of the Congo, and Du Chaillu met them in Ashango Land. Yet still much mystery remained which, thanks to Schweinfurth, is now at an end. That such a race exists is now placed beyond a doubt; and it is probable that these dwarfs are no other than the Bushmen of South Africa, who are not confined, as was formerly supposed, to that corner of the continent, but also inhabit various remote recesses of Africa, and were probably the original natives of the country. WINWOOD READE. FOOTNOTES: [1] Gibbon, Vol. I. c. i. [2] Mohammed el Tounsy, Wadai. [Illustration: MAP OF DR. SCHWEINFURTH’S DISCOVERIES in CENTRAL AFRICA] CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. My former journey—Inducements to a second—Plan and object—Custom-house difficulties at Suez—Scenes in the Governor’s divan—Environs of Suez—Sulphur mine of Gimsah—Recluse life of the officials—An unenticing coast—The roadstead of Djidda—The bride of the fish—Voyage across the Red Sea—Salt works of Roway—Appearance of the shore—Charm of the moonlight nights—Importance of Suakin—First night-camp in the mountains—New species of Dracæna—Numerous succulents among the flora—The valley of Singat —Idyllic abode of the Governor—Mountains of Erkoweet—The olive-tree wild—Gardens of the desert—Characteristics of the town Bedouins—Equipment for the desert—Old fanatic from Kano—Injury and oppression—The Bedouin camp O-Mareg—Brown coating of the rocks—Goats and sheep of the Bedouins—Plant with my own name—Contest with the camel-drivers—Ugliness of the women—A monument of nature—Arrival at the Nile—Tent in peril—A wedding—The ninety-nine islands and the Sablook-straits—Pitiable condition of the country—Arrival at Khartoom Page 1 CHAPTER II.